SCAI the Bathhouse is one of the most unique contemporary art galleries in Tokyo. Its point of difference is that its housed inside a 200-year-old building that was once a public bath.
The building facade features traditional tiled Japanese roofing and the original water tower. There’s even the original wooden lockers from the public bath in the entranceway. These were once used to store shoes when people visited the bath. The gallery space within the heritage shell though is thoroughly modern, which makes for an interesting juxtaposition of old and new.
The gallery was established in 1993 and has become known for the quality of the artists it represents and the exhibitions it holds. Big names of the local and contemporary art scenes are shown in its simple, high-ceilinged space. Lee Ufan, Julian Opie, Anish Kapoor and Kohei Nawa have all featured in past exhibitions.
While SCAI the Bathhouse is a bit out of the way, walking there from the train station takes you through a section of leafy Yanaka Cemetery. It is one of Tokyo’s most famous graveyards, so it’s interesting to see and adds to the overall experience.
The gallery holds several exhibitions a year, so check their website for what’s showing while you’re in town.
Address: 6 Chome-1-23 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo
Getting there: 10 minute walk from JR Nippori Station South Exit (JR Lines)
Nearby: Ueno Park
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